Grade 2 · Science · Earth science

2nd Grade Soil and Rocks worksheets

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Soil and Rocks

Grade 2 Science Worksheet

NameDate

Read the clue. Circle what it describes.

1.
Dark and crumbly, with bits of dead leaves, it helps plants grow.
- sand
- rock
- gravel
- soil
2.
Hard and heavy, it makes up mountains and cliffs.
- rock
- gravel
- sand
- soil
3.
Bits of dead leaves in it feed the plants that grow there.
- rock
- soil
- clay
- gravel
4.
It takes thousands of years for wind and water to wear it down.
- rock
- gravel
- sand
- soil
5.
It is the top layer of the ground where gardens are planted.
- rock
- soil
- sand
- gravel
6.
Tiny, loose grains that feel gritty and let water run through.
- gravel
- soil
- sand
- rock
7.
Soft and sticky when wet, it can be shaped into a bowl.
- soil
- gravel
- clay
- rock
8.
It can be smooth or rough, and it does not crumble in your hand.
- sand
- clay
- soil
- rock

2nd Grade Soil and Rocks worksheet 1 – printable PDF — Download PDF: 1 2 3 4 5 6

About this worksheet

The ground under our feet is made of different materials. Soil is dark and crumbly and is full of tiny bits of rock and dead plants and animals, so plants can grow in it. Sand is made of tiny, loose grains of rock that let water run through. Clay is very fine, sticky when wet and hard when dry, and it is used to make pots and bricks. Rock is hard, and it makes up mountains and cliffs.

Gravel is made of small stones, bigger than sand, and it is used on paths and roads. Rocks slowly break into smaller pieces, which is how sand and soil begin. This worksheet gives eight clues, and the child circles the material that each one describes. Ask your child to feel soil, sand and a rock if they can, and to say how each one feels.

What your child will learn

Describe soil, sand, clay, rock and gravel
Tell the materials apart by how they look and feel
Say how people use each material

NGSS standard: 2-ESS1-1

Worked example

It is soft and sticky when wet, and potters shape it into a bowl. That describes clay.

Common mistake

Choosing soil for every clue about the ground, instead of looking for the feel and use in the clue.

Helpful hint

How does it look and feel? What is it used for?

Next skill: Natural Resources Earlier: Changes to Earth's Surface

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with soil and rocks?

Choosing soil for every clue about the ground, instead of looking for the feel and use in the clue.

How can I help my child with soil and rocks?

How does it look and feel? What is it used for?

Are these 2nd grade science worksheets free to print?

Yes. All 6 printable versions on this page are free to download and print, with no account needed.

More 2nd grade earth science

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